North Korea's cruise missile test from the newly launched destroyer

An image distributed by the North’s official Korean Central News Agency on March 5, 2026, shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (C) on board the Choe Hyon, the first 5,000-ton multipurpose destroyer, as he reviews its operational readiness near the coastal city of Nampho. Kim supervised the launch of strategic cruise missiles from the ship on March 4, deeming it essential for the warship's operational effectiveness, according to the report. (Yonhap via NationPress)

This undated photo published by the North's official Korean Central News Agency on March 5, 2026, captures North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (3rd from L) conversing with a sailor on the Choe Hyon, the first 5,000-ton multipurpose destroyer, as he evaluates its operational effectiveness near Nampho prior to its commissioning. Kim oversaw the sea-to-surface strategic missile launches from the destroyer on March 4, regarding this test as a key factor in the warship's operational capabilities, according to the report. (Yonhap via NationPress)

On March 4, 2026, North Korea's initial 5,000-ton multipurpose destroyer, the Choe Hyon, launches sea-to-surface strategic cruise missiles, as Kim Jong-un reviews its operational readiness near Nampho. This photo was shared by the North's official Korean Central News Agency the next day. Kim's oversight of the missile launch was viewed as a significant evaluation of the warship's capabilities, according to the report. (Yonhap via NationPress)

On March 4, 2026, North Korea's initial 5,000-ton multipurpose destroyer, the Choe Hyon, launches sea-to-surface strategic cruise missiles, as Kim Jong-un reviews its operational readiness near Nampho. This photo was shared by the North's official Korean Central News Agency the next day. Kim's oversight of the missile launch was viewed as a significant evaluation of the warship's capabilities, according to the report. (Yonhap via NationPress)

On March 4, 2026, North Korea's initial 5,000-ton multipurpose destroyer, the Choe Hyon, launches sea-to-surface strategic cruise missiles, as Kim Jong-un reviews its operational readiness near Nampho. This photo was shared by the North's official Korean Central News Agency the next day. Kim's oversight of the missile launch was viewed as a significant evaluation of the warship's capabilities, according to the report. (Yonhap via NationPress)

On March 4, 2026, North Korea's initial 5,000-ton multipurpose destroyer, the Choe Hyon, launches sea-to-surface strategic cruise missiles, as Kim Jong-un reviews its operational readiness near Nampho. This photo was shared by the North's official Korean Central News Agency the next day. Kim's oversight of the missile launch was viewed as a significant evaluation of the warship's capabilities, according to the report. (Yonhap via NationPress)

This undated image published by the North's official Korean Central News Agency on March 5, 2026, shows North Korea's inaugural 5,000-ton multipurpose destroyer, the Choe Hyon, navigating waters near Nampho, where Kim Jong-un inspects its operational efficiency prior to commissioning. Kim directed the launch of strategic cruise missiles from the destroyer on March 4, regarding this test as a critical evaluation of the warship's capabilities, according to the report. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. (Yonhap via NationPress)

This undated image published by the North's official Korean Central News Agency on March 5, 2026, shows North Korea's inaugural 5,000-ton multipurpose destroyer, the Choe Hyon, navigating waters near Nampho, where Kim Jong-un inspects its operational efficiency prior to commissioning. Kim directed the launch of strategic cruise missiles from the destroyer on March 4, regarding this test as a critical evaluation of the warship's capabilities, according to the report. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. (Yonhap via NationPress)

This undated image published by the North's official Korean Central News Agency on March 5, 2026, shows North Korea's inaugural 5,000-ton multipurpose destroyer, the Choe Hyon, navigating waters near Nampho, where Kim Jong-un inspects its operational efficiency prior to commissioning. Kim directed the launch of strategic cruise missiles from the destroyer on March 4, regarding this test as a critical evaluation of the warship's capabilities, according to the report. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. (Yonhap via NationPress)

This undated image published by the North's official Korean Central News Agency on March 5, 2026, shows North Korea's inaugural 5,000-ton multipurpose destroyer, the Choe Hyon, navigating waters near Nampho, where Kim Jong-un inspects its operational efficiency prior to commissioning. Kim directed the launch of strategic cruise missiles from the destroyer on March 4, regarding this test as a critical evaluation of the warship's capabilities, according to the report. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. (Yonhap via NationPress)